Emerald Coast Launches "Gulf-to-Table" Movement

DESTIN/FT. WALTON BEACH, Fla., Feb. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECCVB) is instituting an ongoing campaign that celebrates the area's authentic gulf cuisine and the fishermen who make it possible. The destination's legendary charter fishing fleet brings in thousands of pounds of fish daily. The abundant catch and rich heritage inspired local chefs to coin the phrase " Gulf-to-Table," which embraces the "you-catch-it, we'll-cook-it" process that allows visitors to experience seafood from the water to the platter.

"Part of what differentiates our area from other beach destinations is not only the quantity of the different fish you can catch year round – which is plenty – but the quality of the fish on your plate once it's caught. Our fishing captains are the best in the world at helping you hook that big one, and we have a group of fantastic chefs who have crafted recipes that truly bring out the flavor of each type of fish," said Director of the ECCVB, Ed Schroeder.

Many restaurants along the Emerald Coast participate in the Fish Trax™ program; when diners order fish entrées, they come with a QR code diners can scan to discover who caught the fish, plus where and when they were caught. In addition, some eateries will even take a visitor's freshly caught and cleaned fish, then deliciously prepare and serve them up with anglers' favorite sides. "It's all about the freshness," said Chef Kevin Wynn of The Black Pearl restaurant. "We get all of our fish from day boats – and we serve our fish within a day of it being caught. That's the key – making sure everything is as fresh as humanly possible."

The guide includes information specific to deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, popular Okaloosa Pier fishing and angling from the jetties, as well as the different methods used to fish on the Emerald Coast: fly fishing, surf fishing, crab fishing, shrimping and scalloping. Additional sections provide information on fishing with children, booking a fishing charter, fishing license information and how to bring your own boat when you visit. Also included are Gulf-fish flavor profiles, a list of area restaurants that offer Gulf-to-Table cuisine, and annual events and festivals, including the Destin Seafood Festival, the Cobia World Championships, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo.

The Emerald Coast Tourist Development Department promotes the destination through marketing and advertising of the beaches of Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. The TDD oversees the operation of the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Emerald Coast Convention Center, the Emerald Coast Film Commission, the Visitors Welcome Center and conservation efforts aimed at improving and protecting the natural environment of Okaloosa County. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/floridasemeraldcoast, Twitter @EmeraldCoastFLA, Pinterest at pinterest.com/emeraldcoastfla, Instagram @EmeraldCoastFLA or visit the official tourism site of the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at EmeraldCoasting.com.